Flights to Seattle

It’s hard to believe, but there was a time when Seattle wasn’t a famous travel destination. Today, this large city in the Pacific Northwest is at the heart of pop culture history. After all, Washington’s capital gave birth to grunge rock and was the home of Nirvana, while films such as Say Anything and Sleepless In Seattle, and TV shows such as Frasier and Grey’s Anatomy put it firmly on the map.

Seattle is a city for walkers. The centre of town, which runs right to the water's edge, is constantly evolving, while growing suburbs such as Ballard are filled with people who value a quality restaurant, some fun entertainment and an evening in a trendy lounge to welcome in the weekend.

Like many American cities, Seattle has a vibrant downtown area filled with luxury hotels and high-rise apartment buildings, as well as plenty of restaurants, nightlife venues and cafes. In fact, the city runs on caffeine – Starbucks was founded here and many independent roasters line the streets. The world's best-known coffee chain isn’t the only major company with roots in Seattle – Amazon started here too. The online retailer has a huge presence in the city and helps to drive the local economy.

Seattleites are extremely proud of the place they call home. Evidence of this is everywhere, perhaps nowhere more so than at local sporting events. From the Seahawks (National Football League – NFL) to the Mariners (Major League Baseball – MLB) to the Sounders (Major League Soccer – MLS), try and catch a game during your visit to see sports fandom at its best.

What to do in Seattle

Visit the Pike Place Fish Market

See the day’s freshest catch coming in right off the water at Pike Place Fish Market. Don't miss the sight of the fishmongers at this Seattle staple tossing huge salmon, white fish and other creatures of the sea back and forth to each other.

86 Pike Place
Washington
98101
+1 206 682 7181

Visit the Museum of Flight

Within the walls of this museum near Boeing's massive facility you can walk around the first Air Force One and check out a Blackbird spy plane. It’s a truly fascinating place – home to the third Boeing 787 Dreamliner ever built and thousands of old photos and letters from the early days of flight.

9404 East Marginal Way South
Washington
98108
+1 206 764 5720

Visit Chihuly Garden and Glass

Tacoma native Dale Chihuly might be the most famous American glass artist and his work is hugely celebrated at this location right next to the Space Needle. There are eight galleries and three drawing walls filled with his delightfully whimsical work.

305 Harrison Street
Washington
98109
+1 206 753 4940

Where to eat in Seattle

Terra Plata (International)

With a name that translates as ‘from earth to plate’, the emphasis at this lively Capitol Hill spot is on using the best quality ingredients sourced from local farmers. Book a table for brunch and tuck into unfussy dishes such as grits and greens, chimichurri steak and eggs, or banana pancakes.

1501 Melrose Avenue
Washington
98122
+1 206 325 1501

TAT’s Delicatessen (Cafe)

One of the classic meals to try in Seattle is a cheesesteak sandwich. Ask around and you’ll probably find that everyone has their favourite, but one of the best spots is undoubtedly TAT’s Delicatessen. Their version comes packed with so much meat and cheese you’ll probably need a nap after lunch.

159 Yesler Way
Washington
98104
+1 206 264 8287

Sutra (Vegetarian)

The place for vegetarian food in Seattle. One benefit of all the rain in this state is it keeps produce fresh and lively, and the masters at Sutra make magic on the plate as a result. The communal tables lead to a lively, sociable atmosphere.

1605 North 45th Street
Washington
98103
+1 206 547 1348

Places to stay in Seattle

The Maxwell Hotel

This boutique hotel in the shadow of the iconic Space Needle provides sweet service at a comfortable price. It’s a colourful, quirky option befitting the nearby street art scene, with painted murals throughout the property and a cool indoor pool.
300 Roy Street
Washington
98109
+1 206 286 0629

The Fairmont Olympic Hotel

A landmark hotel in downtown Seattle, this building, which dates back to the city's glorious past, has luxurious rooms that used to be part of the original University of Washington campus. You're two blocks from the action on Pike Street, situated perfectly between 4th and 5th Avenues.

411 University Street
Washington
98101
+1 206 621 1700

The Edgewater

This luxury hotel in the centre of Seattle is located on the water, so it’s relaxing while still being close to the action. Get a room with a view of Elliott Bay and relax at Six Seven lounge. You won't want to leave but when you do, you're just a short walk from the Sculpture Garden – and much more.

2411 Alaskan Way
Washington
98121
+1 206 728 7000

Find cars

The minimum age for a driver is 21. Please check the terms and conditions of your car hire for extra charges for drivers under the age of 30.

Most popular destinations from Seattle (SEA)

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